Ancillary Columbarium

Check the guidelines relating to ancillary columbarium in places of worship

Last updated on 8 June 2026

Ancillary columbaria use may be allowed within PWs subject to planning consideration taking into account the location of the PW, site constraints and its impact on the surrounding area, traffic conditions, and requirements of other government agencies. An ancillary columbarium in a PW shall adhere to the following requirements.

Location

Proposed ancillary columbaria shall be located inside the main PW building and shall not be stand-alone structures. Proposed new building extensions for columbarium use shall abut the main building and be fully integrated with it.
For standalone or independent PW developments, basement columbaria are preferred, but above-ground columbaria may be considered subject to complete screening from public view.
For party-wall PW developments, the columbarium shall be sited in the basement.

Allowable Types of Ancillary Columbarium

Diagram of building extension showing main building and approved areas, including columbarium.

Diagram showing location preferences for the ancillary columbarium: basement preferred.

Types of Ancillary Columbarium that cannot be allowed

Diagram showing the connection of the ancillary columbarium to the main building.

Quantum

Proposed ancillary columbaria are allowed up to 20% of the total building GFA.
Up to 40% of total building GFA may be allowed for ancillary columbaria if the PW development:
1. is located at the fringe of industrial estates; and
2. is not facing or near residential areas.